How to Make Applesauce Without Sugar:

Let’s begin by giving the apples a good rinse. Dry off the excess water with a clean tea towel.

Next, with a very sharp knife, peel and core the apples. Then chop or slice. Work quickly to prevent discoloration.

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples with about ¼-½ cup of water. There should be just enough water to cover the bottom of your pan.

Cover and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, covered, for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and make sure that there is always a thin layer of water at the bottom of your pan.

Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (or to taste).

Continue to cook for another 10 minutes or so.

Once the mixture has softened, you can mash the mixture with a fork or a potato masher, until your desired consistency is achieved.

Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.

Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition Note: I am going to put on my dietitian’s hat and tell you that as far as adding sugar is concerned, it really isn’t necessary. Just make sure you are using sweet apples.

You will also notice that some recipes have you add apple juice to the applesauce – once again, something I don’t think is necessary, as apples are sweet and tasty enough on their own (I add water instead).

But, as always, these are my own preferences – you should feel free to play around with the recipe until your applesauce is just how you like it!

You can easily make a big batch of this recipe. Just place your applesauce in sterilized jars, and process them in a water bath. For more details, you can follow this link.

Chunky Applesauce Tips and Recipe Notes:

Use a mixture of sweet and tart apples. Different apples provide different flavors and are the basis for making an unsweetened applesauce recipe.

Ensure there is a thin layer of water at the bottom of the pan. This prevents scorching.

Recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, etc to make a big batch. Place your applesauce in sterilized jars, and process them in a water bath. For more details, you can follow this link.

What are the best apples for applesauce?

Try to choose apple varieties that are naturally sweet. This eliminates the need to add extra sugar.

McIntosh;

Cortland;

Lobo;

Gala;

Jonathan;

Fuji and

Red Delicious.

What are the best spices for applesauce?

If you prefer a spicy applesauce, a sprinkling of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger are great options.

Does Applesauce need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Allow to cool down, cover and refrigerate. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Can Applesauce be frozen?

Yes. You can use zip-top freezer bags (reusable) or freezer friendly food containers with lids. Best to use within a 2 month period.

What does applesauce replace in a recipe?

Use applesauce to replace up to half of the fat in baked goods. A great way to reduce your total fat intake.

Ingredients

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine apples and water. (There should be just enough water to cover the bottom of your pan).

Cover and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, covered, for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and make sure that there is always a thin layer of water at the bottom of your pan.

Add cinnamon (and nutmeg if using) and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or so. Once the mixture has softened, you can mash the mixture with a fork or a potato masher, until your desired consistency is achieved. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.

Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.

Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon't miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

Video

Notes

Use a mixture of sweet and tart apples. Different apples provide different flavors and are the basis for making an unsweetened applesauce recipe.

Ensure there is a thin layer of water at the bottom of the pan. This prevents scorching.

Applesauce can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, etc...

1 portion is 1/2 cup.

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.

About Maria

Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

Great question Marge! Yes, you can, the color will be a little pinker and the texture a little rougher but it really is just as good if you do not mind the apple skins. Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂

About Maria

Hello and Welcome to She Loves Biscotti! I'm Maria: dietitian and full time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth, to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.